Toulmin Model Argument

Chris Kregloski

Whitney Sandin

WVU English 101

The Ancient Debate

The legalization of marijuana is one of the most controversial topics in America and its debate has been fought over nonstop since the existence of the drug. This naturally found plant is known and used across the entire world. It is illegal in most places including the majority of the United States yet in reality it is safer than alcohol and tobacco. Today, more and more people are starting to realize this and side with pro legalization in America and are even questioning why it is illegal. There are many reasons why people support its legalization. Many say it would actually prove to be more helpful if it were legalized. Legalization could help America’s economy, health and crime. In one article journalist Ryan Schuette uses logos, ethos and pathos to support this claim and proves how legalizing marijuana as soon as possible could help America thrive in the near future.

Schuette starts off his argument with his first supporting statement, that the legalization of the drug would bring our country economic relief. Its legalization would create jobs and help prevent bankruptcy, which America definitely needs at this moment in time. There is no way around this fact for anyone who is against the legalization of the drug. The United States has a total debt of 17 trillion dollars and with 20 billion dollars in debt alone in Detroit, who recently became the largest city in America to declare bankruptcy after years of financial instability. The author takes a look at The Budgetary Impact of Ending Drug Prohibition, written by Jeffery Miron and Katherine Waldock of Cato Institute, which approximates the America could gain $8.7 billion dollars in revenue if we legalize and tax the sale of marijuana. Taxes on marijuana would be very similar to the taxes we see on the sale of tobacco. Schuette then turns to the National Household Survey another credible source on drug abuse which shows that 5.3...